Midfielder Backtracks on January Move to Arsenal

West Bromwich Albion midfielder Youssouf Mulumbu has denied revealing Arsenal have made a firm offer for his services ahead of the January transfer window.

The Congo international was quoted by France Football as saying he was looking to leave the Hawthorns this summer amid concerns that his teammates are "not professional enough".

But the 26-year-old has hit back at such suggestions and accused the French publication of misquoting him, having also been backed by his manager Steve Clarke.

"I did an interview with a French journalist but I'm not happy about how my answers have been reported," Mulumbu said in a statement released by The Times.

"I would never refer to my teammates that way. I just spoke about the fact we need to get better at controlling games after the point we've let slip recently.

"The general point I was trying to make is I want to play at the highest level possible."

"I admitted there has been interest in me from other clubs but I didn't speak about Arsenal or say I would be looking to move in January."

Mulumbu, who signed a new contract with West Brom during the summer, was swiftly linked with a January move to the Emirates following his comments earlier in the week with Gunners midfielder Abou Diaby not expected to return to the first team squad until March.

But after his comments were initially perceived to be detrimental to the West Brom squad, Clarke has been quick to back his midfielder's stance, insisting the club are happy with his explanation of events.

"I've read the translation of the transcript and there's a lot in it which is quite ambiguous and can be interpreted in different ways," Clarke said.

"Obviously some people will interpret it in the way they want. The club are on it now and I think Youssouf has one or two things he wants to say about himself.

"Of course I've spoken to my player and the club has also spoken to the player - we're happy with the explanation we got."